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Criminal Law

Experience and preparation are key in criminal defense

For over 25 years, we have aggressively defended our clients in state, federal, military, and appellate courts. Through each stage of the litigation process, we prepare to protect your rights and look out for your best interests. When you are brought in for questioning, we help you filter the information you disclose to the police. Remember, anything you say can be used against you in court. Once charged with a crime, our attorneys seek pre-trial resolutions to case, such as motions to dismiss. If a case proceeds to trial, we will call on our investigative experts and our litigation support team to prepare a solid defense. At trial, our attorneys work to minimize your exposure, eliminate counts, and reduce jail time.

Remember, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty

Police and prosecutors will work hard to see you convicted. When you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, know your rights and find an attorney who will protect your interests:

You have the right to remain silent.

You have the right to an attorney present during police questioning.

You have the right to be protected against improper search and seizure.

You have the right to a trial before a judge and jury.

Get to know your legal options at (808) 523-7041, or email us to meet with our attorneys face-to-face. The sooner you call us, the better we can protect you.

Hawaii-based law firm with national and international reach

The Honolulu firm of Harrison & Matsuoka, Attorneys at Law, represents clients throughout Oahu, Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai. We can represent you in state, federal, military, and appellate courts. We are licensed to practice law in New Jersey and California, as well as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Engagements with local clients have taken us into international jurisdictions, as far as Japan, the Philippines, and New Zealand.

Felony and misdemeanor offenses

Criminal cases are classified as either felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the seriousness of the crime. Misdemeanor crimes are generally less serious of the two types of crimes, and carry penalties that include up to one year in jail, monetary restitution, and/or fines. Felony charges are more serious, and can include multi-year prison terms, major fines, and in some cases, the death penalty.

Our goal is to lessen your sentence, even if you have already confessed to a crime or the prosecutor has overwhelming evidence of guilt. We work hard to minimize exposure to prosecutorial questioning, bargain with prosecutors to reach a plea agreement, and eliminate counts through motions to dismiss counts or suppress evidence.

Reduced or alternative sentencing may also be an option in certain cases. Our attorneys can help you petition the courts for probation, house arrest, or community service rather than jail-time. Judges and juries usually consider the severity of the offense and your criminal record when deciding sentences. Our attorneys help you tell your story in court so that you can get your voice heard and achieve the best possible outcome based on your case.

In our 25 years of practice, we have represented clients in criminal cases involving:

Aggravated assault

Animal cruelty

Antitrust violations

Arson

Battery

Conspiracy

Counterfeit bills

Drug distribution

Drug manufacturing

Embezzlement

Money laundering

Murder/homicide

Racketeering (RICO)

Rape

Sexual abuse

Trafficking

Weapons possession charges

Contact our offices at (808) 523-7041 or email us to speak to an experienced trial lawyer. We are a 24-hour law firm; so call anytime, day or night.

White-collar crimes

Allegations of employee theft can be ruinous to a business professional's career. We are experienced criminal defense attorneys who can help you clear your good name. We have over 25 years of trial experience, the investigative skills, and the legal support necessary to help you restore your professional reputation.

White-collar crime is becoming more common. Our approach to cases is proactive and preventative. The sooner you notify us of the details of your case, the sooner we are able to safeguard exculpatory evidence and enter into plea arrangement negotiations with prosecutors. We represent clients accused of:

Anti-trust violations

Conspiracy

Embezzlement

Forgery

We encourage you to call us as soon as you become aware that you are under investigation. By the time the prosecution indicts you, they have already mounted a substantial case against you. Call (808) 523-7041 or email us to speak to an experienced white-collar crime attorney.

Drug crimes

As government crackdowns and mandatory minimum sentences continue, a good lawyer may be the only thing between those indicted and a jail cell. Our attorneys are highly experienced trial lawyers who are qualified to represent you in a range of litigation related to:

Conspiracy

Drug distribution

Drug possession

Drug selling

Drug trafficking

Possession with the intent to sell

Producing or manufacturing

Racketeering

If you know you are under investigation by the FBI, DEA, or related government agency, our attorneys can help you protect yourself. We help you take preemptive action to protect your rights and future interests. The sooner you call us the better we can protect you. We have experience assisting clients with drug charges related to the trafficking and distribution of:

Amphetamines

Cocaine

Crystal meth

Ecstasy

Hashish

Human growth hormone

Marijuana

Methamphetamines

Prescription drugs

Codeine

Oxycodone

Oxycontin

Valium

Steroids

There are strict deadlines in the criminal defense system regarding the filing of notices or requests for evidence. Our attorneys take action to minimize your exposure to potential penalties. We inform you of your legal options and help you protect your interests. Call (808) 523-7041 or email us to speak to an experienced attorney at our firm.

Sex crimes

Sex crimes carry severe penalties—not the least of which are jail time, lifetime sexual offender registration, and employment restrictions. When you have been accused of a sex crime, it is imperative that you understand all the risks involved before you take action. Our attorneys can provide you with the legal advice you need to protect yourself and your future.

We represent clients in a range of sex crime cases, including but not limited to:

Murder cases

Murder charges impose the toughest of legal sentences—ranging from 15 years behind bars to life in prison. That is why you need exceptional legal representation from attorneys with over 25 years of criminal trial experience.

Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter

Capital murder

First degree murder

Second degree murder

Third degree murder

Homicide

Premeditated murder

Self defense

Vehicular homicide

Other murder defense cases

Talking to an attorney before speaking to the police can greatly improve the chances of a favorable outcome at trial. We encourage you to call our firm as soon as you are questioned by the police or charged in connection with a murder.

Military cases

Military law is a highly specialized area of practice—one that demands a very particular kind of knowledge and practical experience. It requires a thorough understanding of the laws governing armed forces personnel, including the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Manual for Courts-Martial. Our attorneys understand how the military justice system works and are qualified to represent you in a range of litigation:

Administrative discharge situations

AWOL discharge situations

Federal Tort Claims Act cases

Military record correction board matters

Representation before boards of inquiry

When you retain our firm as your private counsel, we work in conjunction with your detailed military counsel to protect your rights. Our attorneys are able to push the envelope in ways that your JAG Core detail may not be able to in military court. Our team based approach to litigation gives you confidence of knowing that there is not one, but two, attorneys who are looking out for your best interests.

International cases

In some cases, we represent foreigners and illegal aliens who have been arrested in Hawaii. Our experience with these types of cases is broad ranging.

In recent history, we have represented telecommunications representatives from the Philippines who were arrested at a local convention center, under allegations of price fixing. We have also represented a New Zealand native in an extradition matter, related to the murder of an alleged member of an organized crime family. Our other clients include a chief engineer on a Pakistani hauler, caught with over 10 tons of hashish on board.

If you are a foreigner or a visitor to Hawaii and you have been arrested, call our offices for experienced legal representation.

Attorney Advertising. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
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